Rutgers introduces a shorter, more affordable MBA program

The Rutgers Full-Time MBA is getting a re-design that offers students a shorter and more affordable path to career enhancement or career change.

Beginning this fall, students will be able to enroll in a version of the Rutgers MBA program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students who opt for an internship can finish in 16 months. The number of required credits will be reduced to 45 from 60, which means a lower-costing degree.

“Our Full-Time MBA program is highly ranked – the No. 1 public MBA in the Northeast and the No. 16 public MBA in the U.S., according to The Financial Times in 2024,” said Weiwei Chen, director of Rutgers MBA Programs. “However, we observed national trends that indicate a growing preference for shorter MBA programs with many students seeking to enter the workforce more quickly.”

The reduced credit requirement translates into real cost savings. Students will save one semester’s worth of tuition and fees. New Jersey residents who are admitted will save approximately $16,000 and students from outside New Jersey will save an estimated $28,000.

The new 45-credit requirement will consist of 27 credits of core classes, three credits of integrative courses and 15 credits of electives.

Apply Now! The application deadline for Fall 2025 is July 15 for U.S. applicants. Contact the MBA staff if you have questions or need additional information: rutgersmba@business.rutgers.edu.

The new program format will allow students to choose between a 12-month track and a 16-month track. The 12-month track begins in September with program completion anticipated in August of the following year. This track does not include the traditional MBA summer internship experience.

Students who choose the 16-month track will begin classes in September, complete a summer internship, and graduate in December of the following year. Students on this track may opt to extend their program to the traditional 21-month schedule if they add a second MBA concentration, which is often attractive to recruiters. 

Find out more about the value of a Rutgers MBA and the different ways to earn one.